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Council of the EU
General Affairs Council, 13 December 2022
Main results
Enlargement
The Council approved conclusions on enlargement and the EU-Western Balkans stabilisation and association process.
The conclusions assess the situation in each of the EU candidates and partners, set out guidelines on reform priorities, and reaffirm the Council’s commitment to the EU’s enlargement policy. In line with the revised enlargement methodology endorsed by the Council in 2020, a strong focus is put on fundamental reforms in the areas of the rule of law, fundamental rights, economic development and competitiveness, strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform.
Following the June European Council conclusions, and in light of the Commission’s subsequent recommendation of 12 October 2022, the Council recommends to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, subject to confirmation by the European Council, on the understanding that the steps specified in the Commission’s recommendation are taken, in order to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, migration management and fundamental rights. The Council looks forward to a confirmation of this decision by the December European Council.
The EU enlargement policy is a strong anchor for peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability on our continent. With its conclusions, the Council is sending a strong message of its commitment to EU enlargement. I am particularly pleased about the recommendation to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status and the acknowledgement of reform efforts of Ukraine in such difficult times. The EU will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards future EU membership and we agreed to come back to the situation of the Associated Trio based on an update provided by the Commission next spring.Mikuláš Bek, Czech Minister for European AffairsCouncil conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process (13 December 2022)
European Commission’s 2022 enlargement package
Political advertising
The Council agreed its mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal for a regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising.
In a context where political campaigning is increasingly taking place online and across national borders, the proposal aims to promote high standards of transparency in political advertising in the EU, limit the use of targeted advertising for political purposes and facilitate the cross-border provision and oversight of political advertising services. It will help to combat disinformation, information manipulation and interference in elections, and safeguard an open democratic debate in the EU member states.
The Council’s mandate builds on the Commission proposal, strengthening the proposed rules, clarifying how they would be implemented and seeking to enhance legal certainty.
In a thriving democracy, citizens should receive objective, transparent and pluralistic information, free from manipulation. They should be able to easily recognise political ads, especially online, and know who is behind them. We also need to limit and strictly monitor the use of targeting techniques. The new regulation will ensure up-to-date rules across the EU to protect our democratic processes.Mikuláš Bek, Czech Minister for European AffairsTransparency and targeting of political advertising: Council agrees its negotiating mandate (press release, 13 December 2022)
Electoral rights and democratic participation (background information)
Rule of law dialogue
As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, ministers held a country-specific discussion, focusing on key developments in Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden.
The exercise is part of the Council’s commitment to make its annual rule of law dialogue stronger and more structured, while fully respecting the principles of objectivity, non-discrimination and equal treatment of all member states. Around half an hour is devoted to each member state. The discussion takes place in the light of the Commission’s rule of law report. In an open and constructive political dialogue, ministers share their experiences, comments and best practices in relation to the developments mentioned.
This was the fifth round of country-specific discussions held since November 2020. The situation in 25 member states has now been covered as part of the exercise.2022 Rule of law report (European Commission)
December European Council
Ministers discussed the draft conclusions of the European Council meeting on 15 December.
At its meeting, the European Council will address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions and the EU’s continued support to Ukraine. Leaders will also revert to the topics of energy and economy.
On security and defence, the European Council will discuss the implementation of the Strategic Compass and ways to further increase the EU’s security and defence capacity. It will also give guidance on support to EU partners.
Leaders will also hold a strategic discussion on relations with the Southern Neighbourhood and transatlantic relations.Annotated draft agenda
Other items
Ministers exchanged views on the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe feedback event, which took place on 2 December 2022.Conference on the Future of Europe: feedback event with citizens (Presidency press release, 2 December 2022)
Conference on the Future of Europe (background information)
The Czech presidency and the incoming Swedish presidency presented the roadmap for the 2023 European Semester.European Semester 2023 - Roadmap
The Council approved the joint declaration on the EU legislative priorities for 2023-2024, negotiated between the Commission, the Parliament and the Council presidency, accompanied by the three incoming presidencies.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, on behalf of the Czech Presidency, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be invited to sign the joint declaration in the margins of the December European Council.
The Council also approved the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items without discussion.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3923
Brussels
13 December 2022
Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda
List of A items, non-legislative activities
List of A items, legislative deliberations
Provisional list of A items
Background brief
Outcome documentsList of participants
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Council of the EU
Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 11-12 December 2022
Main results
Fisheries
2023 fishing opportunities
After two days of negotiations, agriculture and fisheries ministers reached a political agreement on fishing opportunities for 2023, taking into account the best available scientific advice, while respecting the aims of the common fisheries policy (CFP), and the EU’s multiannual plans for various sea basins.
We have proved that the Council is determined to preserve and restore fish stocks at sustainable levels, and at the same time to protect the future of communities which depend on fishing.Zdeněk Nekula, Czech Minister of Agriculture
Infographic - Setting catch limits and quotas
See full infographicThis agreement sets catch limits for over 200 commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea, as well as for some deep-sea stocks for 2023 and 2024. On shared fish stocks with the UK, ministers agreed to set provisional quotas for the first three months of 2023, seeing as bilateral EU-UK and EU-NO consultations on shared fish stocks are still on-going. These provisional catch limits include a temporary roll-over of the existing fishing opportunities for the first three months with a 25% ratio to the TAC levels of this year, to cover the first quarter of 2023. For some fisheries where fishing takes place mainly in the first part of the year, this seasonality has been taken into account. This will ensure continuity for fishermen and sustainable fishing in the relevant areas, pending an agreement between the EU and the UK. Ministers agreed on a similar approach for stocks co-managed with Norway.Council approves fishing opportunities for 2023 in EU and non-EU waters (press release, 13 December 2022)
Management of the EU's fish stocks (background information)
How fishing rights are agreed following Brexit (feature story)
Agriculture
Market situation, particularly in light of the Russian war against Ukraine
Ministers took stock of the market situation in member states, more particularly in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which is putting unprecedented pressure and uncertainty on farmers and world markets. They reiterated the impact of the war on all sectors, with producers facing significant increases in energy and fuel prices, as well as many logistical challenges. Ministers further emphasized the critical situation concerning the affordability of fertilisers, and the impact this might have on overall prospects for harvest next year, with many farmers likely to reduce their use of fertilizer. Ministers additionally exchanged views on the possibility of using the agricultural reserve for 2023, and stressed the impact of high food prices on consumers.Market situation in particular following the invasion of Ukraine - Information from the Commission - Exchange of views
Food for the world: what EU countries are doing to mitigate the impact of Russia’s war (feature story)
Food security and affordability (background information)
Impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the markets: EU response (background information)
Infographic - A fairer, greener and more performance based EU agricultural policy
See full infographicCAP strategic plans
Ministers exchanged views on the strategic plans included in the common agricultural policy (CAP), particularly in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the challenges this is posing for the farming sector. Ministers stated their respective readiness to implement national plans comes January 2023, with the first year likely to be particularly challenging, especially in terms of setting up control systems and ensuring proper implementation.
In January we will start implementing the new common agriculture policy. Russian invasion to Ukraine had a disruptive effect on our farmers in the EU. I am glad we had a sincere discussion on the state of play and the possible need to adjust the strategic plans to reflect a new reality.Zdeněk Nekula , Czech Minister of AgricultureStrategic Plans: current situation and new challenges
Common agricultural policy (background information)
Animal welfare
Ministers publicly discussed the evaluation of the current animal welfare legislation and stressed the need to revise the current legislation as soon as possible, to protect animal welfare and adopt a harmonized approach at EU level. Ministers moreover voiced their main priorities regarding the revision of the legislation and emphasized that this revised proposal would also ensure fairer competition for farmers and other food business operators in the member states.Evaluation of the EU animal welfare legislation (Fitness check) - Information from the Presidency and Commission - Exchange of views
Council conclusions on animal welfare - an integral part of sustainable animal production (16 December 2019)
Council conclusions on animal welfare during maritime long distances transport to third countries (28 June 2021)
Other business
Ministers discussed multiannual fishing quotas and their importance in ensuring predictability for fishermen, as well as for the sustainability of stocks. They were moreover informed by the presidency on the state of play of the regulation on geographical indications and quality schemes across the EU and exchanged views on the regulation for the sustainable use of pesticide directive. They further discussed front of pack and sustainable food labelling.Establishment of multiannual quotas - Note by the French, Portuguese and Spanish Delegations
Regulation on geographical indications and quality schemes – state of play - Information from the Presidency
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the sustainable use of plant protection products and ameding Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 - progress report
Conference on harmonized front of pack labelling and its impact on sustainable food labelling (Brussels, 10 November 2022) - Information from the Presidency
The Council also adopted, without discussion, the items on the list of non-legislative A items.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3921
Brussels
11 December 2022
10:00
Preparatory documentsList of A items, non-legislative activities
Provisional agenda
Background brief
Outcome documentsList of participants 11 December
List of participants 12 December
